"Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone." Mark 16:15
Meet the characters who came across baby Jesus!
Mary–Shocked & Surprised but Surrendered (Luke 1:28-56)
Mary was shocked and surprised when she received the news from angel Gabriel that Christ was going to be born to her. But in the midst of it she learned the Lord’s plan. We need to know the plans of the Lord in such astonishing situations in our lives.
Mary was DEVOTED
Mary knew what was going to happen but did not know how it was going to happen. In such an inexplicable situation, we could witness Mary surrendering herself to the Lord’s word that came through Angel Gabriel. Likewise, there are many situations incomprehensible in our lives.
Do we devote ourselves like Mary or do we question God? Is it due to lack of faith?
Mary was DELIGHTED
Mary surrendered her to God’s plan without any further questions and her heart rejoiced. A joyful heart will sing praises to the Lord and glorify Him. Our joy should be seen in our lives these Christmas days as praising and glorifying the Lord.
How do we use our happiness?
Joseph - Righteous & Blameless (Matthew 1: 18 - 25)
Joseph was BLAMELESS
Joseph, who was engaged to Mary, was blameless. He manifested holiness in his private life. He lived righteously in those days when righteous people were rare.
Commit to the manifestation of purity and righteousness in our personal lives.
Joseph DID NOT BLAME
When Joseph learned of the events in Mary’s life, he neither condemned her according to Jewish law nor blame her. He wanted to desert her secretly, not wanting to be humiliated. Joseph's excellent character is revealed by accepting Mary as his wife after listening to the angel Gabriel. God's children obey God's voice.
We are called to respect the feelings of others like Joseph, who did not blame anyone.
Let’s show our best character by obeying the words of Jesus Christ!
Shepherds - Responded to the Sound & Light (Luke 2:10-17)
In the land of Israel, shepherds were despised and looked down upon. But, the gospel of the birth was first revealed to them. Christ is our Saviour who redeems us from sinful life.
The shepherds were DEDICATED
The shepherds, who heard about the birth of Jesus decided to see Jesus straight away. That night they saw Jesus and worshiped him. This is the obedience God is expecting from us.
What is our response when we hear the voice and words of Christ?
The Shepherds DECLARED the good news
The dedicated shepherds did not forget or hesitate to proclaim the message announced by the angel without exaggerating the experience of hearing the angel and announced this news to everyone that Jesus is Lord.
Let's proclaim the Savior to others this Christmas.
Herod -Anxiety on Position
A terrified Herod
Herod was terrified when he heard the news that a king had been born to the Jews. The birth of Jesus Christ brought joy to everyone, but Herod was troubled. The reason was that he thought his position was in danger. We can live in peace and without fear if we know Christ.
A hostile Herod
Fear created enmity in Herod's life. The king, who confirmed the birth of Christ through the religious leaders, spoke deceitfully to the wise men. In fact, there is no intention of seeing or worshiping Jesus. A life that does not accept Christ will cause deception and enmity.
A revengeful Herod
Fear and enmity resulted in adverse actions. He ordered to murder boys under the age of two to kill Jesus. Evildoers will engage in such destructive activities. Let us pray for the protection of the believers in Christ.
The Wise Men - Well informed but went wrong
The Wise Men misunderstood
They have mastered Astronomy, know the times on earth, and the events happening on earth through the star. The exceptional star that appeared in the east announced the birth of Jesus Christ and they were led to Bethlehem knowing that a king had been born to the Jews. After several days and many miles to reach Jerusalem, they missed the way and they were disappointed. Let us depend on God's guidance without leaving room for self-intellect.
The wise men lost the way but found Messiah
When they came out of the palace they saw the star again. God guided them on the right path. The star stood on the house where the baby Jesus was. Then they saw Jesus, worshiped and offered the gifts.
The wise men changed their path
After they worshiped Jesus, they were warned by God not to go to Herod's place and they went back to their country by a different route. They did not hesitate to change the old path. Let us commit to leave the path of sin and follow the path of holiness.
Simeon - Waited and Conquered
Simeon was pious
The days that Simeon lived were dark days where holiness is rarely seen in the lives of Godly people. But he led a life of righteousness and religiousness. We need to show Godly devotion in all circumstances.
Simeon led a Spirit filled life
Simeon not only lived a devoted life; his life was led by the Spirit of God. Are we living a Spirit-led life as we prepare for the second coming of Jesus?
Simeon sang praises
Simeon, who had faith in God's word, sang praises on Jesus Christ who came as a comfort to Israel, and a shining light to the Gentiles. How do we know Jesus? Are we proclaiming the gospel through our praises?
Anna - Saw an end to her tears
A disheartened Anna
Anna’s life was widowhood at a young age. She lived with her husband for only 7 years and feeling lonely and disappointed. But she received divine support despite the loss of human support. All human supports will one day completely pass us by. Let us not forget that the only constant support is the support of Christ.
A devoted Anna
From youth to old age, she worshiped the Lord incessantly in the midst of losses and tribulations. She never left the Lord's temple, fasted all day long and prayed. Let us consider it a great privilege to worship the Lord even in the adverse circumstances of life.
A Comforted Anna
She did not value her life and waited for the salvation of Jerusalem. It reminds us that she lived for others rather than for herself. As a result, at her old age, she was comforted by seeing the Redeemer of Israel. May we find salvation when we live for the salvation of others so that our lives do not revolve around ourselves.
Let's compare our lives with these 7 people and leave what we want to leave during this Christmas. Remember to share the redemption that is given to us through Jesus Christ to others. May God's peace and grace be found in our lives these days and in the new year ahead.
Translated & compiled from the DLM Publications, Chennai